You can live a healthier lifestyle without busting your budget. Whether you want to lead a more active life or need to make a serious change for your overall well-being, committing to be healthier doesn’t mean you have to dedicate a significant portion of your budget to those efforts. There are plenty of ways to be fit and frugal.
Plan and prep meals.
Not being proactive when it comes to food is one of the quickest ways to sabotage a healthy lifestyle and your budget. When hunger strikes, you’ll be less likely to reach for an unhealthy option or go to a drive-thru when food has already been purchased – and better yet –prepared. Cook larger portions of your meals so you can divide them up to take for lunch, repurpose for dinners throughout the week or freeze portions for future meals.
Grocery shop smarter.
Always visit the grocery store with a list in hand. With eye-catching displays and strategically placed goodies, stores are designed to encourage you to buy more than you intend. When you enter its doors with a plan, you’ll reduce the temptation to toss extras into your cart. As you navigate the aisles, you can also save money by purchasing in-season produce and generic brand items. Another great way to shop smarter is online and either pickup your groceries or have them delivered.
Avoid fads.
Popularity comes with a hefty price tag. You can typically expect to pay more for trendy fitness classes, workout gear, and foods tied to particular diets. If you are looking to stick to a long-term plan, it’s in your budget’s best interest to make sure it’s something you can sustain for the long haul. Commit to a lifestyle that works for you without it becoming an unnecessary financial burden.
Opt for free workouts.
There are plenty of ways to break a sweat without a gym membership or expensive at-home machines. Go for a long walk, find a free workout video online, or swim laps at a local pool. Simply moving your body won’t cost you a dime. If you want to step up your routine, browse for gently used weight sets or equipment, purchase fitness packages or gym memberships during special promotions, or consider signing up for local walks or runs that support a charity in your community.
Investigate fitness reimbursements.
Does your employer or health insurance provider offer reimbursements for fitness-related expenses? Take advantage of “free” money if it is available to you. It is also worthwhile to explore incentive programs. You may be eligible to receive rewards, including gift cards or refunds, for completing certain qualifying events.
Equip your phone with free apps.
When you need a little extra motivation, download an app that you can check-in with routinely to make sure your efforts are on track. There are a variety of options including apps for tracking meals and activity, apps with free workout routines, and apps for healthy recipes. There is also a wide assortment of coupon apps that you can use to save money when grocery shopping or when searching for the best deals.
While you can’t put a price tag on health, investing in your well-being now can pay dividends for years to come. Remember, the journey to a healthier you doesn’t have to correlate to how much money you spend – you can find success with some preparation and simply being active. Strive to maintain a lifestyle that is manageable for you and your budget!
